AUBURN – The Auburn Running Club successfully defended its state title at the Maine Junior Olympic Youth Track & Field Championship held recently at Windham. Auburn scored 416 points to claim the crown for the eighth time in nine years, competing against 700 athletes from 31 teams. Scarborough finished second with 305 points, followed by Poland, 267; Windham, 246; and Brewer, 182.

A total of 60 athletes, ages 6-14, represented the Auburn Running Club that competed in four different age groups. Auburn athletes won 16 individual events and three relay titles. There were four athletes who recorded multiple victories: McKayla Norcross (Girls 8-under, 100m, 200m); Kerry St. Denis (Girls 8-under, 400m, 800m); Letisha Brooks (Grades 11-12, triple jump, shot put, turbo javelin, setting a state record); and Allison Fereshetian (Girls 13-14, 200m, 400m, long jump, 100m hurdles).

Other individual champions included Lexis Clavet (Girls 9-10, long jump); Mary Kate Masters (Girls 11-12, 100m); Jackie Masters (Girls 11-12, 800m racewalk); Dante Brooks (Boys 8-under, turbo jav); and Tyler Gammon (Boys 13-14, 400m).

While pursuing the title, Auburn also won the girls overall crown, with the boys placing second. In the eight age group competitions, Auburn won four (Girls 13-14, 11-12, 8-under, and Boys 13-14). Auburn also enjoyed a successful meet with the relays, with three team victories. The girls won the 11-12 and 13-14 4x100m events, while the boys 13-14 team won the 4x100m relay.

Members of the championship relay teams were: Girls 13-14, Danielle Paul, Emily Blackwood, Kasey Miller, Cassandra Hartford; Girls 11-12, Emily Ranucci, Ashley Butler, Rachel Marchus, Jackie Masters; Boys 13-14, Tyler Gammon, Buddy Foss, Gregory St. Denis, Steven Giorgetti.

The Auburn Running Club is sponsored by the Auburn Recreation Department. Members are from Auburn, Turner and surrounding towns. Tom Menendez is the head coach. Assistant coaches are Adam Steier, Carl Schwinn, Cassandra Kirkland, Angie Giorgetti, Ryan Fitzsimmons, Theresa Ranucci and Josh Murphy. There are many parents and high school athletes who provide additional support.